FAQ: Max 7

Authorization

How do I authorize?

The application connects to our authorization server and verifies the authorized state. For Max 7, we no longer support Pace copy protection (iLok or challenge/response). Visit the authorization page for information.

Can I use Max 7 without authorizing it?

If you've never used the Max 7 demo on your computer before, you can install and use it in fully-functional demo mode for 30 days. After 30 days, saving is disabled. To use the demo, you need to create an account -- if you don't have one -- inside Max 7 which requires an internet connection.

I have a full license of Max 7, but my computer isn't always connected to the internet. Will Max 7 still run?

Yes, it will run offline for up to 180 days before you need to connect to the internet again. Max will prompt you when you get close to that time to reconnect to our authorization server.

What if I have a subscription and my computer isn't connected to the internet?

When you first purchase a subscription, your computer must be connected to the internet to receive the authorization. Your computer will be authorized offline for up to 30 days before you need to connect to the internet again.

How many authorizations do I get?

If you own one license, then Max 7 can run on one computer at a time. However, we understand many people have multiple computers and need more than one authorization. Therefore, you can authorize up to 3 computers as long as they’re not running Max simultaneously.

If I own Live 9 Suite or Max for Live, should I also authorize Max?

No. Max 7 is a different product from the Max for Live editor (included in Live 9 Suite or purchased separately as "Max for Live"), but the Max 7 installation is still necessary to run the Max for Live editor. There is no need to separately authorize the Max for Live editor, as Live 9 Suite or Max for Live is authorized by Ableton.

I want to move my Max install from one machine to the other. How do I do it? Do I need to de-authorize?

Your Max authorization is tied to your Max account. Once you sign into your account inside the Max application, it is authorized. Contact Support if you have any questions about using multiple machines.

I need to run Max simultaneously on more than one machine. Can I have extra authorizations for this?

No. Instead, use the Max demo which still functions without saving after 30 days or Max Standalones to run patches on the unauthorized machines.

Can I authorize Max on both my Windows and Mac machines? Will my patches work on both platforms?

Yes, you can authorize both. And, yes, patches will work on both.

System Requirements and Purchases

Does Max 7 have a serial number?

No. You need a Max account to purchase Max 7. Your Max authorization will be tied to that account instead of a serial number.

Is an academic or the 30-day demo Max a different application than the regular, permanent Max?

No. There is only one installer and only one flavor of the Max application. The only difference between a 'academic' (student, teacher, or school), 'subscription', and 'permanent' license is the amount paid for the program and/or whether or not your license expires after some period of time (e.g. the 12-month student license). The '30-day demo' simply refers to the fact that Max will run without copy protection for the first 30 days. There are no limitations to the program during this period.

Standalones and sharing your code with others

Now that I have made something with Max, I want to send it to others. How can I do that?

If it is a Max Patch: You can send your patch to any person who owns Max and has it installed. That person can open it directly, edit and save. There's also a 30-day demo available for downloading. During the 30-day period, that person can open it directly, edit and save. After 30 days, it cannot be saved.

If it's a Max Collective: You may also build a collective out of your patch. This bundles up your patch into one file to make it easier to send. It's especially useful if your patch contains a number of different files. Collectives are cross-platform compatible (Max/MSP 4.3 or greater). Like a Patch, a Collective also requires a Max installation, demo, or runtime version (only for Max 6 or older). Refer to the documentation for more details on how to create collectives.

If it's a Max Standalone: You may turn your patch into a platform-specific standalone application. A standalone does not require any additional Max installation or runtime. You can give this away free.

If it's saved as a Max 7 Project: The project is portable and can be opened by other Max 7 users.

I would like to sell my standalone application. May I do that?

Yes.

Can I authorize Max on both my Windows and Mac machines? Will my patches work on both platforms?

Yes, you can authorize both. And, yes, patches will work on both.

64-bit Information

Is Max 6 a 32- or 64-bit application?

As of Max 6.1, Max is available in both 32- and 64-bit versions. The MacOS download contains both versions as a FAT bundle; you can change whether it runs in 32- or 64-bit mode using “Get Info” on the Max application in the Finder. For Windows, there are separate 32- and 64-bit downloads. Third party objects will not work with 64-bit versions of Max 6.1 or later, as they will need to be recompiled for 64-bit compatibility. Max 6.0.8 is a 32-bit binary application. Max audio processing bit depth was updated to 64-bit as of Max 6.0.

What is the bit resolution of MSP signals and Max messages?

Max audio processing bit depth was updated to 64-bit as of Max 6.0. The bit resolution of Max messages is dependent on the version of software that you are using. Versions before Max 6.1, and the 32-bit versions of Max 6.1+, use 32-bit numeric data. The 64-bit version of Max 6.1+ uses 64-bit numeric data for all message contents.

Does the 64-bit version have the same features as the 32-bit version?

We have improved the 64 bit Max features with each subsequent release. To see what is supported by the version you have installed installed, in the Max application, go to 'Help > Latest Support Information'.

Why won't my 3rd party externals run inside the 64-bit version of Max?

All Max externals need to be ported and recompiled. Please contact the 3rd party developer to see if they have recompiled their externals with a compatible SDK version. Get the latest Max SDK.